13 common Golf injuries (Prevention & Treatment)

Do you live and breathe golf?

Then here’s a reality check – common golf sport injuries are lurking around the corner, ready to disrupt your game.

From back strains, golfer’s elbow, to rotator cuff conditions, learn all about these painful pitfalls.

Be aware, stay prepared and know how to avoid and manage these injuries.

Keep swinging with confidence because we have your back, literally!

So, let’s dive into the world of common golf sport injuries and conquer them together.

Back Strains / Lower / Upper Back Strains and Pain

Back strains and pain, particularly in the lower and upper back, are common golfing injuries caused by the repetitive twisting and bending motions during swings.

These injuries can result in muscle strain, ligament sprain, or even disc herniation.

Maintaining proper swing technique, strengthening core muscles and incorporating regular stretching can help to prevent and alleviate pain from back strains.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Medial epicondylitis, commonly known as golfer’s elbow, is characterized by pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow.

It occurs due to the repetitive flexing, gripping, and swinging of the golf club which can strain the tendons and cause small tears.

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE therapy) can help in managing golfer’s elbow, along with strengthening exercises and using proper equipment.

Rotator Cuff Conditions

Rotator cuff conditions can arise from repetitive overhead swinging and incorrect technique in golf.

This may lead to tendon inflammation, tears, or even impingement syndrome that causes pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder.

Preventative measures include proper warm-up, stretching, and strengthening of shoulder muscles to support the rotator cuff.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Despite its name, tennis elbow can also affect golfers due to repetitive gripping and swinging.

Lateral epicondylitis involves pain and inflammation on the outer side of the elbow, caused by the overuse and strain of the extensor tendons.

Treatment includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and strengthening exercises to keep the forearm muscles in check.

Wrist Strains

Wrist strains occur when the ligaments in the wrist are overstretched or torn due to the forceful movements during golf swings.

Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Wrist strains can be managed by applying RICE therapy, wearing a wrist brace, and practicing proper swing techniques.

General Tendonitis

General tendonitis, or inflammation of tendons, can occur in several parts of the body in golfers due to repetitive strain from swinging and gripping.

Treatment usually involves rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and stretching exercises to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Knee Injury

Golfers may experience knee injuries due to constant twisting and pivoting during swings. These injuries could include meniscus tears or ligament strains, causing pain, swelling, and instability in the knee.

Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings, along with proper technique, can help in preventing knee injuries.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (Thumb Pain)

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis refers to the inflammation of tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and limited thumb movement.

It occurs in golfers due to the overuse of hand and wrist muscles during gripping and swinging. Treatment includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and utilizing a thumb splint or brace.

Hip Injuries

Hip injuries in golfers often stem from overuse of hip muscles and improper swing technique. This can cause strains, bursitis, and even hip labral tears.

Strengthening hip muscles through targeted exercises and improving swing mechanics can help to avoid such injuries.

Foot and Toes Injury

Foot and toe injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, or stress fractures, can occur in golfers due to the repetitive weight shifting during swings.

Proper footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises can help prevent and manage these injuries.

Neck Injury

Neck injuries in golfers may occur due to sudden jerking or twisting motions when swinging, causing muscle strains or whiplash.

Techniques to alleviate neck pain include rest, massage, ice or heat therapy, and gentle neck stretches.

Sunburn

Excessive sun exposure during outdoor golf sessions can cause painful sunburns and increase the risk of skin cancer.

To avoid sunburn, wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade whenever possible.

Getting Hit by Golf Balls

Although rare, being struck by a golf ball can lead to contusions, fractures, or even concussions.

Staying alert on the golf course, maintaining safe distances, and notifying nearby players before swinging can help prevent injuries from stray golf balls.

How to Treat Golf Sport Injuries

1. Back strains and pain from golfing can be mitigated through proper swing technique, strengthening core muscles and incorporating regular stretching to minimize muscle strain, ligament sprain, or disc herniation.
2. Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow can be managed with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE therapy), strengthening exercises, using proper equipment, and avoiding repetitive flexing, gripping, and swinging of the golf club.
3. Rotator cuff conditions and wrist strains can be prevented by warming up properly, stretching, strengthening supporting muscles, practicing correct swing techniques, applying RICE therapy, and using a wrist brace when needed.
4. General tendonitis and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis can be treated with rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises, and utilizing a thumb splint or brace to alleviate pain and inflammation.
5. Knee, hip, foot, and toe injuries can be prevented and managed through strengthening exercises for involved muscles, proper technique, appropriate footwear, and custom orthotics.
6. Neck injuries can be eased by rest, massage, ice or heat therapy, and gentle neck stretches to alleviate pain resulting from muscle strains or whiplash due to sudden jerking or twisting motions during golf swings.
7. Sunburn and getting hit by golf balls can be prevented by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, seeking shade, staying alert on the golf course, maintaining safe distances, and notifying nearby players before swinging.

How to Prevent Golf Sport Injuries

Preventing common golf injuries is essential for maintaining your wellbeing on the course.

By following proper techniques, wearing appropriate gear, and focusing on your body’s needs, you can minimize injury risks while enjoying the game.

• Practice proper swing technique to reduce stress on your back, shoulders, and arms.
• Strengthen core muscles to support your back and maintain stability during swings.
• Warm up before playing to increase flexibility and prevent strains.
• Wear protective gear, such as wrist braces, mouthguards, and custom orthotics, for support and injury prevention.
• Perform targeted exercises to strengthen vulnerable muscle groups and tendons.

FAQ